By Daniel Tyokua
There are indications that traders would ground business activities in Karu market over alleged levy imposed on them by Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) officials and the market unions.
The traders, mostly shop owners said the council officials were conniving with the union leaders to make the market atmosphere harsh for business.
A day ago, crisis was averted when the unions and AMAC officials tried to collect N2,000, which they tagged ‘security and sanitation levy’ from the shop owners.
Checks showed that the road leading to Jikwoyi and other parts of the satellite town was completely blocked, causing discomfort to the motorists as traders have started season sales on the road.
The car park under construction was also wholly taken over by umbrella shops, making it difficult for buyers to access the market for purchases.
When asked, one of the traders who refused to give her name for obvious reasons, said the AMAC officials and the market unions allocated those spaces to the traders for ‘ season sales ‘ for the sum of N1,000 each, and that the illegal allocation would be valid till January.
She told The AUTHORITY that, shop owners are planning a massive protest to notify the Minister of the FCT and the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, owners and operators of the market.
According to her, the planed peaceful protest would visit the FCT Minister’s office before proceeding to AMAC chairman’s office.
On the reason for the tension on Wednesday, one Danjuma Dodo, a shop owner said the illegal allocation made trading difficult and has cut off their customers as they can’t access their shops, but simply buy on the road and go back, yet the same people who caused them this pain are demanding N2,000 from them for security and sanitation.
He said they are ready to fight to restore sanity and pleasant business environment in the market. He said they will not pay that money till the illegal allocations are stopped.
However, all efforts to hear from the AMAC officials and the market union failed as they neither reply messages nor return calls put to them.
